Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—spicy, buttery, and bursting with sesame goodness—then this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. I’ve found it to be one of those go-to meals that feels fancy but actually comes together effortlessly, making weeknight dinners a total breeze. The blend of warm spices mixed with creamy coconut milk and a hint of chili butter is like a big cozy hug on a plate.

What I love most about this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is how it manages to feel special without demanding hours in the kitchen. You can put it in the oven and relax while it does all the work, and it’s perfect for serving guests or family because it’s so full of flavor yet surprisingly easy to master. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal lineup.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe plays an important role in creating its signature flavor and texture. From the yogurt tenderizing the chicken to the warming spices that add depth, you’ll find these ingredients easy to source and rewarding to cook with.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too—choose what you prefer.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken with its natural acidity.
• Garlic and fresh grated ginger: Essential aromatic foundations that bring warmth and zing.
• Garam masala: A fragrant Indian spice blend that gives the chicken its rich, exotic flavor.
• Cumin and turmeric: Earthy spices that deepen the overall taste and add color.
• Cayenne pepper: Controls the heat—adjust it to match your spice tolerance.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic but vital for balancing all the flavors.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and that silky mouthfeel we all crave.
• Yellow onion: Sweetness that softens and round out the robust spices.
• Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and tropical notes that complement the spice wonderfully.
• Tomato paste: Brings a tangy depth and balances the creamy coconut milk.
• Sesame seeds: Toasty crunch that enhances the nutty flavors of the butter sauce.
• Fresh cilantro: Bright green herb that adds freshness at the end—don’t skip it!
• Chili flakes and paprika (for chili butter): These add smoky heat that’s perfect for finishing the dish.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it a bit depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in, and every version turns out delicious. Feel free to play around with spice levels or swap ingredients to make the dish truly your own.

• Variation: When I want a milder dish, I cut back the cayenne and add extra coconut milk for creaminess. It’s still full of flavor but kinder to sensitive palates.
• Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, swap the Greek yogurt with a coconut yogurt alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Extra veggies: I sometimes add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the baking dish for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Bonus crunch: Toast a handful of sliced almonds or cashews on top for an unexpected texture twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Love

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, fresh grated ginger, and all the spices including garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt to bring out the flavors. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes to let the yogurt tenderize the meat and the spices infuse their magic. I sometimes prep this ahead and marinate it for an hour or two when I have time—results in even more tender, flavorful chicken!

Step 2: Layer On The Good Stuff

Preheat your oven to 400°F (around 200°C). Into your baking dish, add the chopped onion on top of the marinated chicken, then pour over the coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste until it looks creamy and evenly mixed. Don’t be shy to use a spoon to scrape the sides of the can or bowl to get every bit of flavor. Arrange slices of cold butter on top, and sprinkle sesame seeds over everything to create that irresistible crust and nutty aroma.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through—juicy and tender with a beautiful golden finish. Keep an eye near the end and if the top is browning too fast, cover loosely with foil. This step lets the sauce thicken and flavors concentrate. Once done, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small pan and add chili flakes and paprika. Let it cook until the butter starts to brown slightly—this adds a toasty, smoky complexity. Remove from heat and drizzle this spicy, buttery goodness over your chicken right before serving.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always go for a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro to brighten up the dish—it adds such a lovely freshness that balances all the richness. Toasted sesame seeds pushed to the finish add a little crunch and nutty flavor that make every bite interesting. If you want to jazz it up, a few thinly sliced red chilies on top give it a colorful, spicy pop.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my absolute favorite side for this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe—its subtle flavor soaks up the buttery sauce perfectly. Warm naan bread also rounds out the meal, great for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For some veggie balance, I like serving it alongside simple sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad to refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

One time, I arranged the baked chicken over a bed of rice in a large serving platter and drizzled the chili butter in a crisscross pattern before sprinkling sesame seeds—looked stunning for a casual dinner party. For a cozy date night, I plated individual portions with a side of garlic naan, garnished with extra cilantro and a lemon wedge for a zingy contrast. Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few thoughtful touches turn this speedy recipe into a special meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! After cooking, cool the chicken completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can keep well for up to 3 months. When I’ve frozen it, I find it reheats nicely without losing too much moisture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I prefer warming the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Microwave works in a pinch but can dry things out if you’re not careful. If you have the time, reheating in a low oven covered with foil keeps the sauce creamy and chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort and excitement on one plate—rich, spicy, buttery flavors that you can feel good about enjoying any night of the week. I hope you give it a try and find it as delightful and effortless as I do. It’s exactly the kind of recipe I love sharing with a friend because it’s simple to make yet always makes everyone smile.

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